The following is the telegram of condolence for the victims of the fire that broke out in Sèmè-Kraké, Benin, sent on behalf of the Holy Father Francis by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin to Bishop Aristide Gonsallo of Porto Novo:

Telegram

TO HIS EXCELLENCY
BISHOP ARISTIDE GONSALLO OF PORTO-NOVO
PORTO-NOVO

HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANÇOIS WAS SADDENED TO LEARN OF THE TRAGIC FIRE IN SÈMÈ KRAKÉ ON 23 SEPTEMBER AND THE LOSS OF HUMAN LIFE IT CAUSED. HE JOINS THE FAMILIES IN MOURNING, EXPRESSING HIS SYMPATHY AND SORROW. HE PRAYS FOR THE REPOSE OF THE DECEASED, ENTRUSTING THEM TO GOD'S MERCY, AND FOR THE RECOVERY OF THE INJURED. HE ALSO EXPRESSES HIS SUPPORT FOR THOSE ACCOMPANYING THE VICTIMS OF THIS TRAGEDY. ASKING THE VIRGIN MARY TO BRING STRENGTH AND CONSOLATION TO ALL THOSE AFFECTED BY THIS TRAGEDY, THE HOLY FATHER INVOKES DIVINE BLESSINGS ON EACH PERSON AND ON THE ENTIRE NATION AS A SIGN OF COMFORT.

CARDINAL PIETRO PAROLIN
SECRETARY OF STATE OF HIS HOLINESS